How to remove acne and acne marks from the face?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The report or image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) shows acne vulgaris and post-acne hyperpigmentation or PIH with atrophic scarring.

Acne appears most often due to hormonal fluctuations, imbalances, genetic reasons, climate changes, sweating, stress, food habits, consuming oily, fried, and sweet food items, and as a reaction to new products being used on the face.

Acne may be on and off, and each time the acne triggers or appears, it may be managed. Dark spots and pores develop following acne inflammation and excess oil secretion from the skin. They most often occur due to habitual pricking of acne, due to long-standing untreated acne, and severe acne. There are medications and procedures available for managing the same.

I would like to suggest you to take:

• Salicylic acid and Glycolic acid face wash to be applied, massaged gently in circular motions, and washed off within one minute twice daily.
• Clindamycin and Niacinamide gel is to be applied on the pimples twice daily.
• Azelaic acid 10 % cream to be applied in a very thin layer on the affected area on alternate days at night. Make sure your face is cleansed and dried well. Hands and face should be absolutely dry without any moisture. Apply the cream in a pea-sized quantity only on the affected areas. Do not use it all over the face; also, avoid using it in large quantities since the medication is strong and may cause irritation. Also, do not use if the acne is mild, as this is only for severe acne.
• Chewable tablet Ascorbic acid 500 mg daily after food. Consult a specialist and take the above mentioned medications with their consent.

The above medications are for active acne and management of new acne; they do not help with atrophic scarring, also called depressed scarring. Instead, some procedures are the most helpful in reducing their appearances for treating PIH and atrophic scarring.

• In severe cases, antibiotics may also be needed.
• Vitamin E capsule 400 mg once daily at night after food.
• Refrain from using skin care products as they may cause a reaction depending on the product's contents and may lead to breakouts.

The PIH and acne scarring may be managed only by undergoing procedures, as medications have limitations. In contrast, procedures can penetrate through the skin to help with internal problems and correct them. Most scarring is caused due to inflammatory reactions and habitual pricking at acne; therefore, they lead to depressed scars, which require surgical intervention. Below are the procedures:

• Laser therapy procedures may be done once a month to help reduce current acne, fading of hyperpigmented spots, and atrophic scarring. When combined, Q switch and Erbium lasers can be very beneficial and do wonders for treating acne and post-acne scarring and dark spots. However, they are done in sessions once monthly and may require direct consultation with a dermatologist to undergo the procedure.
• Other more superficial procedures like chemical peels, and Glycolic acid peels once in two weeks to one month may be done on your skin to manage the existing acne, scarring, and dark spots. They cause mild peeling of the affected area and are done in sessions, rejuvenating the skin and reducing its appearance. Again, you may need to consult a dermatologist for the procedure details. The medications may be used along with it as well.
• Avoid oily food, milk, dairy products, sweets, and chocolates as they trigger acne. Instead, consume more fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich food, and ensure adequate hydration with at least 10 glasses of water daily.

I want to mention that acne may be on and off depending on the above-mentioned factors. However, they may be managed with medications and procedures and by protecting yourself from external triggers. On the other hand, internal triggers depend on hormonal fluctuations that cannot be controlled. For most individuals, acne fades as they grow older with the regularisation of hormone levels. Refrain from pricking at acne as it may lead to hyperpigmentation as well.

I hope this information will be helpful.